The Best Ski Resorts in the US and Canada: 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards

Skip to main contentFind hotelsFind hotels by location...Find hotels by city or location...Whether you’re a powder hound or après devotee, these ski resorts from Alaska to the Poconos tick all the boxes.Courtesy Stowe MountainFor our 39th annual Reader’s Choice Awards, voters weighed in on their favorite ski resorts in North America—including the US and Canada. Big Sky’s decade-long transformation has paid off, landing the Montana resort in the top spot this year. But Colorado reigns as the top US ski destination, with 10 resorts making our top 30. Meanwhile, six East Coast resorts were recognized, including Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, Canada. And in the western US, new enhancements at Alyeska Resort helped get Alaska back on the list.From Taos to Telluride and Stowe to SilverStar, these ski resorts were picked by our readers as the best in North America for their trails, lodges, lifts, and après-ski scenes. Whether you’re a powder hound or après ski devotee, these ski resorts ticked all your boxes.View the 2025 Readers' Choice Awards winners for best ski resorts as a list with scores for the United States here and Canada here.Tamara Susa / Aspen Snowmass30. Buttermilk, ColoradoAspen-Snowmass’s four mountains are each wildly unique, and Buttermilk might be the most playful. More like one giant terrain park, it’s home to seven different parks for everyone from beginners to pros. Its 22-foot Zaugg-cut Superpipe is the stage for star-studded sporting competitions including X Games Aspen and The Snow League. But Buttermilk is also the mountain for easygoing beginner terrain and awesomely intense trails for uphillers—those showoffs practicing the cardio-busting trend of trekking up a mountain on skis.Where to stay: Just a free, five-minute shuttle ride away in downtown Aspen at your pick of great hotels, including the Little Nell, Limelight Aspen, St. Regis Aspen, and Hotel Jerome.Stats: 8 lifts and 44 trails. One-day lift tickets average from $189; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective.Winter Park29. Winter Park, ColoradoThe longest continually operating ski resort in Colorado, Winter Park is a Rocky Mountain playground known for its varied terrain and consistent snowfall (roughly 350 inches a year). It’s also one of Colorado’s most accessible mountains. Located just 67 miles west of Denver, it’s an easy drive from the airport, or take the Amtrak Winter Park Express ski train and get dropped off just steps from the lifts. This season, the resort is more than doubling snowmaking on a key base trail, again improving upon its recent $40 million snowmaking system upgrade. Families continue to find tons of value. Back this season, kids can nab a free ski or snowboard rental with a three-day adult gear rental package and every kid 14 and younger who signs up for a Winter Park Ski and Ride School lesson gets a free lift ticket for the day. The Gondola is free to everyone after 4 p.m. every Thursday through Saturday from mid-December through the end of March. That means you can wrap up the day at Mountaintop Après at Sunspot Lodge whether you skied or not.Where to stay: Zephyr Mountain Lodge has studios, 1, 2, and 3-bedroom condos with full kitchens. In town, Gravity Haus Winter Park offers co-working spaces as well as gear demos and rentals. A-Frame Club is an Instagram-sensation with its 31 A-Frame cabins and historic saloon.Stats: 23 lifts, 171 designated trails and 1,212 acres of off-piste terrain. One-day lift tickets from $108; on the Ikon Pass.Courtesy Beaver Creek28. Beaver Creek, ColoradoOne of the most luxe ski experiences in the United States, Beaver Creek takes pampering to the extreme, with perks big and small—think complimentary, just-baked chocolate chip cookies handed out in the base area daily at 3p.m. The culinary experience is unparalleled, with three on-mountain fine dining cabins—Beano’s, Zach’s, and Allie’s—a fantastic Mediterranean restaurant, Citrea, in the village, and the kid-favorite Candy Cabin at the top of the Strawberry Park Express lift. The grooming is immaculate. Families love McCoy Park, a learning area with 17 trails of natural, groomed glades, plus snowshoe and cross-country areas. Beaver Creek’s frills get all of the attention, but the mountain boasts serious steeps, like its famous Birds of Prey, which will host the men’s and women’s Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup races December 3-13, 2026.Where to stay: The Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa is fresh off a $20 million renovation. Other favorites include The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Avon, Vail Valley, The Osprey, a RockResort, and the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch.Stats: 24 lifts for 167 trails. One-day lift tickets from $116; on the Epic Pass.Ralph Kristopher27. Alyeska Resort, AlaskaSkiing in Alaska is a different experience than anywhere in the lower 48. Located just 40 miles southeast of Anchorage, Alyeska’s terrain is uniquely Alaskan, boasting everything from high alpine to the steep faces the 49th state is known for. Experts can push their limits, but with over 55 percent intermediate terrain, tree skiing, wide open groomed runs, and a lower mountain venue perfect for beginners, Alyeska caters to all ability levels. Aside from resort skiing, Alyeska serves as a backcountry basecamp offering guided ski touring, cat skiing, or heli skiing with top-notch outfits like SMG Alaska. And when it comes to après-ski, a trip to the mountaintop Bore Tide Bar for an off-menu Fizz cocktail is an Alyeska ritual.Where to stay: The 299-room Alyeska Resort has eight dining venues, including stellar sushi spot Sakura and fine dining restaurant, Seven Glaciers, with its panoramic views. The eighth-floor Black Diamond Club feels like a hotel-within-a-hotel thanks to perks like a private lounge that serves complimentary breakfast and après bites. The resort’s 50,000-square-foot, indoor-outdoor Nordic spa is the perfect place to spend a down day.Stats: 7 lifts for 76 runs, with an additional 1,400 vertical feet accessible via hike-to terrain when conditions allow. One-day lift tickets from $77; on the Ikon Pass.Sherri Harkin / Tamarack Resort26. Tamarack, IdahoTamarack’s primarily east-facing slopes receive an average of 300 inches of snowfall annually. Readers love the diversity of terrain, which welcomes everyone from beginners and families to experts and powder chasers. The resort’s 2,000 mountain acres and 2,800 feet of vertical deliver everything from open bowls, steeps and signature cornice drops to high-speed corduroy groomers, natural tree-skiing glades and three terrain parks. At 6,700 feet, the new Mid-Mountain Lodge crowns the top of Tamarack Express with panoramic dining and event space, while a vibrant alpine-style village anchors the base with lodging, dining, and après. And Tamarack's Nordic trail system winds through open meadows and forested terrain for classic and skate skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking.Where to stay: Tamarack Resort has accommodations ranging from studios to four-bedroom penthouses plus amenities such as a pool, hot tubs and gear valet. The Lodge at Osprey Meadows is steps from the lifts and has studios and two- and three-bedroom condos.Stats: 7 lifts for 59 runs. One-day lift tickets from $99; Ikon Pass Bonus MountainSundance Mountain Resort25. Sundance Mountain Resort, UtahFounded by the late Robert Redford in 1969, Sundance Mountain Resort is a beloved escape tucked into Utah’s Wasatch Mountains at the base of the 12,000-foot Mount Timpanogos in Provo Canyon. Steep bowls give experienced skiers a thrill, while a third of the runs are green and beginner-friendly. Just an hour from Salt Lake City (hello, easy airport access!), the 5,000 acres of protected wilderness that surround the resort will help you find solitude. This season’s debut of Electric Horseman, a high-speed quad, marks the first phase of Sundance’s back mountain expansion, adding 60-plus acres of terrain and bringing the resort to 605 skiable acres. At the heart of the terrain expansion is Storyteller, a new signature ridgeline run carved from the terrain formerly known as the Far East Ridgeline. An additional 100 acres of terrain are planned for the 2027-2028 winter season. Off the slopes, guests can explore the resort’s renowned Art Studio & Gallery (think silversmithing and pottery classes), or unwind at the Spa and The Springs.Where to stay: The Inn at Sundance Mountain Resort, which opened in January 2026, introduced ski-in/ski-out hotel accommodations to the resort for the first time, with 63 thoughtfully designed rooms in the heart of the village.Stats: 10 lifts for 72 trails. One-day pass is $169.Courtesy Steamboat24. Steamboat, ColoradoSpanning six peaks and over 3,000 acres in the Yampa Valley, Steamboat is revered for its tree skiing, trademarked Champagne Powder snow, and family-friendly amenities. But many folks keep coming back for its deep Western roots and a down-home vibe that extends from the mountain to the town. A multiyear, multimillion-dollar redevelopment has reimagined Steamboat. The base area now features Wild Blue, a high speed ten-person gondola that takes skiers and riders from the base to the top of Sunshine Peak in 13 minutes, plus Skeeter's ice rink, and the Range Food & Drink Hall. Beginners can hone their skills mid-mountain at Greenhorn Ranch with natural feature-based instruction, while experts can test their mettle on 655 acres of challenging terrain in Mahogany Ridge and Fish Creek Canyon. One of the most accessible resorts in the Rockies, Steamboat is served by 18 major U.S. cities including Portland, Austin, and Houston.Where to stay: The Steamboat Grand is a favorite for its massive heated pool and hot tubs. Ski-in/ski-out Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas is conveniently located next to Christie Peak Express. Gravity Haus is an affordable, slopeside boutique stay. The Amble opened this summer and has 42 residences and resort amenities.Stats: 23 lifts for 184g trails. One-day lift tickets from $131; on the Ikon Pass.Aspen Snowmass23. Aspen Highlands, ColoradoOf the four mountains that make up Aspen Snowmass, the ultimate rite of passage is here at Aspen Highlands’ massive Highland Bowl. Here’s how to do it: Hike some 45 minutes to the top of the bowl, soak in rewarding 360-degree views that include the twin-peaked Maroon Bells and own the drop into almost 2,500 feet of steep bowl skiing. Reward yourself at mid-mountain with the Merry-Go-Round’s signature Boomerang Burger, topped with onion rings, pastrami bacon and grilled cheese buns.Where to stay: The Little Nell for five-star service and a great spa or its more casual sister property, Limelight Aspen. That Gant for apartment-style residences with full kitchens.Stats: 5 lifts for 144 trails. One-day lift tickets from $189; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass.Bradley Smith/Courtesy Heavenly Mountain Resort, California22. Heavenly Mountain Resort, CaliforniaWith nearly 5,000 acres of diverse terrain, Heavenly offers the best of both California and Nevada skiing and riding including wide-open groomers, glades, and 1,600-foot mogul runs. Sparkling Lake Tahoe views, an average of 300 days of sunshine a year, and high-energy events and après make Heavenly a dream getaway for your party crew that is always looking for the next adventure. The unique Skyline Trail is a must-do run, taking in majestic mountain landscapes, flat valleys, and lake panoramas while crossing from California to Nevada. Plus, the Heavenly Village is located in the heart of South Lake Tahoe, surrounded by snow-based activities and restaurants, and fun events throughout the winter season. If the views of Lake Tahoe inspire you on the slopes, a trip to the shore is just minutes away.Where to stay: Basecamp Tahoe South is just a four-minute walk to the gondola and offers a variety of rooms from bunks to luxe tents. Zalanta Resort at the Village is steps away from Heavenly Village and residence-style rooms include gourmet kitchens and private balconies. Lakefront Edgewood Tahoe Resort has a partnership with Ski Butlers to have gear delivered directly to your room.Stats: 27 lifts for 111 trails. One-day lift ticket from $115; on the Epic Pass.Courtesy Camelback Mountain Resort21. Camelback Mountain Resort, PennsylvaniaA winter haven for East Coasters, this Poconos resort’s snow-making capacity could cover the George Washington Bridge with one foot of snow in 24 hours. The mountain’s 900-foot vertical drop is great training before venturing to bigger mountains in the West. More than half of the mountain, however, is covered in beginner-friendly greens. Families love the amenities, including one of the country’s largest snow-tubing park, an indoor water park, and a plethora of dining options including ski-in/ski-out Trail’s End Pub & Grille, known for its creative burgers and craft beer, and Alpine Outpost, a new grab-and-go spot along the Coolmoor teaching trail.Where to stay: Camelback Lodge, the only ski-in/ski out resort in the Poconos, recently refurbished 453 guest rooms that come in 16 different configurations including bunk rooms and a suite that can sleep up to 14 guests.Stats: 14 lifts for 45 trails. One-day lift tickets from $78; on the Ikon Pass.Courtesy Taos Ski Valley20. Taos Ski Valley, New MexicoHard-core skiers who live for hike-to terrain and super steeps have always been fans of Taos Ski Valley. But a revitalized base area with an ice-skating rink, improvements to beginner and intermediate terrain, and $3 million in glading and expanding snowmaking capacity have made this New Mexico mountain destination way more family friendly. Taos Ski Valley leans into sustainability, equity, and inclusivity as the first ski resort in the world to have been B-Corp certified, and one of a few to be Certified CarbonNeutral®. The challenging terrain of Kachina Peak and the moguls of Al’s Run are the big draw for experts. This season ups the resort’s luxury appeal with the introduction of Taos by Belvedere, a fully hosted, all-inclusive mountain experience that features slopeside penthouse accommodations, a private chef, privately guided skiing, restorative wellness therapies, and insider access to local experiences. For dining, the Bavarian is an institution known for its brats and German beers (they also host a sleigh ride dinner during the winter), and newcomer Corner Office gives the state its first natural wine bar. Down days are far from dull thanks to surrounding cultural attractions including the Taos Pueblo UNESCO World Heritage Site.Where to stay: Located adjacent to Lift 1, The Blake offers a variety of accommodation options that include hotel rooms, suites, penthouses, and condos; decor blends rustic European architecture with one of North America’s finest collections of Southwestern art, including original works by Georgia O’Keeffe.Stats: 13 lifts for 110 trails. One-day lift tickets from $75; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass.Getty19. Lake Louise Ski Resort, AlbertaThe largest of the SkiBig3 resorts in UNESCO-designated Banff National Park earns its keep with 4,200 acres spanning four different mountain faces and a solid mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert runs from every chair. Here’s what else makes it a dream for all walks of skiers: steeps backed by an awe-inspiring wilderness, bowls dusted in famously dry powder, four terrain parks for beginners to experts, and long cruisers—one of which winds on for five miles. The ‘West Bowl’ is a freeride playground with some 480 wilderness acres to explore. And the recent addition of the Juniper Express Quad provides an ideal learning zone for beginner and intermediate skiers and riders looking to advance their skills. This season, Lake Louise is enhancing its recently opened Richardson’s Ridge terrain with new groomed runs, glades, and improved snowmaking, alongside a major Top of the World chair upgrade designed to increase capacity and reliability.Where to stay: Located lakeside in Banff National Park, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise looks like a fairytale castle and its new Basin Glacier Waters Thermal Wellness Spa will have you wishing for a down day to spend soaking in its healing waters. A member of Relais & Châteaux, Post Hotel & Spa has a saltwater pool and is known for its extensive wine cellar and talented culinary team.Stats: 13 lifts for 169 runs and back bowls. One-day SkiBig3 lift tickets from $172; on the Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective pass.Getty18. SilverStar Mountain, British ColumbiaNestled on the northern edge of British Columbia’s North Okanagan wine region, SilverStar is one of Canada’s best-kept secrets, with 3,065 skiable acres that receive 275-plus inches of annual snowfall. Guests can skip the rental car and take one of the regular shuttles from Kelowna International Airport, just 55 minutes away. The resort has exceptionally groomed terrain for all abilities and families appreciate that kids age 5 and under receive free lift tickets all season. Alpine skiing is just one of many winter activities on offer. You’ll also find 65 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, 9 miles of fat-tire bike trails, 4 snow tubing lanes, and a natural skating pond. The dining experiences, such as the Ravenwood snowshoe raclette dinner and the Paradise Camp snow cat dinner tour, are not-to-be-missed. And La Stella, a new Italian spot with wood-fired pizzas debuts this season.Where to stay: SilverStar’s mid-mountain location means most accommodations are ski-in/ski-out. Snowbird Lodge, Silver Creek Lodge, and Lord Aberdeen have prime locations in the heart of the village, steps from the Summit Express Gondola. Firelight Lodge offers convenient access to the Nordic trail heads.Stats: 10 lifts for 132 runs. One-day lift ticket from $119; on the Ikon Pass.Alex Potemkin/Getty17. Blue Mountain Resort, PennsylvaniaOriginally known as Little Gap Ski Area when it opened in 1977, the resort changed its name in 1989 to better reflect the grandeur of our mountain. With a vertical drop of 1,082 feet, Blue Mountain boasts the highest elevation in Pennsylvania. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, you’ll find the perfect challenge on the mountain’s 171 acres. You can conquer 15 green, 6 blue, 16 black diamond, and 3 double black diamond trails across the region’s most varied terrain. Home to the East Coast’s largest snowmaking system, the mountain delivers some of the most consistent conditions all season long in the mid-Atlantic region. For lunch with gorgeous views, pop into Slopeside Pub & Grill for wood-fired pizzas and hearty sammys like chicken cheesesteaks. For a quick, grab-and-go bite, swing by the new spud truck, serving up loaded baked potatoes.Where to stay: Blue Mountain-area Airbnb rentals are the way to go here.Stats: 15 lifts for 40 trails; One-day lift ticket from $48; on the Ikon Pass.This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.Jen Murphy is an award-winning journalist who splits her time between Colorado and Maui. She loves the outdoors and specializes in writing about far-flung adventures, like kite surfing in Madagascar and skiing in the Republic of Georgia. A certified yoga instructor, she is passionate about health and wellness and writes ... Read More